EU looks to punish Microsoft for browser non-compliance, and make a bit of extra revenue in the process

To date the European Union's antitrust regulatory body, the European Commission (EC), has pummeled operating system maker Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) with €1.6B ($2.1B USD) in fines for allegedly using abusive anticompetitive tactics in the European market. But the EU is far from done.

According toReuters, highly placed sources in the EC say that Microsoft will face more fines before the end of the month. The commission's pending decision follows a so-called "statement of objections" filed last October. One source at the EC comments, "The Commission is planning to fine Microsoft before the Easter break."

The planned action could slip a week or two, though, due to procedural issues.

That little "whoops" and Microsoft's baffling decision to test the EU's resolve, declining to rush a fix may cost Microsoft dearly. Experts say Microsoft could potentially face a billion dollar fine or more.

Microsoft's board is unhappy with CEO Steve Ballmer for failing to address the issue. In an annual proxy statement filed last October it cited that as one reason for cutting the rambunctious chief's bonus (this was not the first time Mr. Ballmer had his bonus cut for mistakes).

The EC's decision to mandate a browser choice screen dates back to 2009 when Microsoft had more of a dominant position in the EU browser market. Today Microsoft is in third place with only about 24 percent of the market, behind Google Inc.'s (GOOG) 35 percent and Mozilla's 29 percent. The browser selection screen appeared to be a key driving factor in Microsoft's slipping market share.

Some argue that Microsoft's trailing position makes the decision to continue browser selection screen enforcement unfair. Others argue that Microsoft's dominant market share with Windows would be too dangerous were it not for continued enforcement.

lmao for asking a straight legitimate question and getting down rated by envious euro nerds. And I don't want to hear about how WAY BACK the origin of a component of a MODERN OS today means Euro has claims on it.

I want to know WHERE ARE THE EUROPEAN AUTHORED AND SOLD OSES.

Please, tell me. That is if you can stand sacrificing your downrate to actually articulate a point. Doubtful.